Aston Villa boss Dean Smith eyeing a move for Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe in the summer transfer window.

What's the story?

According to The Telegraph, the England U21 international has emerged as a transfer target for Smith's side, with the play-maker yet to sign a new deal at the Emirates.

His current contract with the north Londoners comes to an end in the summer of 2023, and it's suggested that Villa are keeping tabs on the situation.

Dean Smith would love him

Despite making his debut for Arsenal a couple of seasons ago, it's only since Christmas that Smith Rowe has really broken onto the scene at the Emirates, with Mikel Arteta bringing him into the fold to bring some much-needed creativity.

And since then, he has been fantastic for the Gunners, managing two goals and four assists in the 20 Premier League games that he played, leading to some rave reviews.

Speaking on The Pitch to Post Preview Podcast, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp said: "Emile Smith Rowe has come in and been a revelation. They needed someone to light the flame, give them that spark.

"He's an academy boy and you can see he's doing a great job, the fans love him. I hope with Odegaard coming into the club, that doesn't stop him being instrumental in what they're doing. But I've been so impressed with him, I love his work ethic, I love the way he runs with the ball, he's been a breath of fresh air for this team, exactly when they needed it."

And, his former boss on loan at Huddersfield last season, Danny Cowley, even made the kind of comment that should have Villa fans sit up and take notice.

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He said: "He has got that little bit of Jack Grealish about him. He’s got the ability to square defenders up and go past them like they’re not there. He’s so hard not to get excited about, he has potential to be world-class."

Given his playing style and work ethic, the £26m-rated would surely be a superb signing for Villa.

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